Lionsgate has officially confirmed that Keanu Reeves will return as the deadly assassin John Wick in John Wick 5. The announcement was made at CinemaCon, sending waves of excitement through fans of the action-packed franchise.
The studio also revealed that the John Wick universe is expanding significantly, with an animated prequel film, a Caine-centric spinoff led by Donnie Yen, and the upcoming release of Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas.
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Keanu Reeves Returns for ‘John Wick 5’
Following his intense performance in John Wick: Chapter 4, Reeves is set to reprise his iconic role, reuniting with franchise director Chad Stahelski and longtime producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road.
While plot details, additional cast members, and a production timeline remain under wraps, Lionsgate executives emphasize that they are taking their time to ensure the fifth installment is worthy of the franchise.
“Keanu, Chad, Basil, and Erica would not return unless they had something truly phenomenal and fresh to say with these characters and this world,” said Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
Iwanyk and Lee added, “It’s so important to get this story right and give John’s story the proper next step. It’s exciting to take the first step on that road.”
A Box Office Giant: The Rise of John Wick
The John Wick franchise began modestly in 2014, with the first film earning $86.1 million worldwide. However, its popularity skyrocketed as audiences embraced the expertly choreographed fight sequences and deep world-building.
Each sequel has outperformed the last:
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) – $174.3 million
- John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) – $328.3 million
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) – $440 million (highest-grossing in the series)
Given this trend, expectations for John Wick 5 are at an all-time high.
Ana de Armas Takes Center Stage in Ballerina
Before John Wick 5 arrives, fans will get a taste of the franchise’s expanded universe with Ballerina, set for release on June 6, 2024.
At CinemaCon, Ana de Armas previewed an extended action sequence from the film, showcasing her character, Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin. The scene features intense combat in an abandoned bar, where Eve eliminates multiple enemies with ruthless efficiency.
De Armas, known for her brief but memorable role in No Time to Die, described the preparation for Ballerina as the most grueling of her career.
“For Bond, I only had three weeks of training. Ballerina was a whole other level,” she revealed. “This is by far the most physical and challenging thing I’ve ever done.”
Reeves will make an appearance in Ballerina, further intertwining the John Wick timeline.
Donnie Yen’s Caine Gets His Own Spinoff
One of the biggest reveals at CinemaCon was a standalone film centered on Donnie Yen’s character, Caine. First introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4, Caine is a blind assassin forced to serve the High Table.
In his spinoff, Yen will not only reprise his role but also direct and executive produce the project. Lionsgate has described the film as being “stylistically modeled on the uniquely designed action films that Yen helped make famous.”
Yen, celebrated for his work in Ip Man, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and xXx: Return of Xander Cage, is eager to push the boundaries of action filmmaking.
“The John Wick films have set an immensely high standard for action filmmaking, and I greatly appreciate Lionsgate giving me the opportunity to further elevate the franchise,” Yen stated.
Mattson Tomlin (The Batman Part II, BRZRKR) has been tapped to write the screenplay, taking over from a previous draft by Robert Askins. Production is set to begin in Hong Kong later this year.
Stahelski praised Yen’s involvement, saying, “One of my favorite characters in the John Wick world is Caine. To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. And who better to helm it than Donnie Yen himself?”
Animated Prequel Film Will Explore John Wick’s Origins
In addition to the live-action sequels and spinoffs, Lionsgate is venturing into animation with a prequel film that explores John Wick’s backstory.
Keanu Reeves will lend his voice to the character, bringing his signature intensity to an animated setting. The film will focus on the infamous “Impossible Task” — a legendary event in which Wick eliminated all of his enemies in one night to secure his freedom from the High Table and be with his wife, Helen.
Shannon Tindle (Ultraman: Rising) is directing, with Vanessa Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Shape of Water) penning the script.
“In both animation and the world of John Wick, the possibilities are endless,” Fogelson said. “And there is no John Wick story fans are clamoring for more than the ‘Impossible Task.’”
Stahelski, who has long admired anime, is particularly excited about the project. “I feel John Wick is the perfect property for this medium—anime holds the potential to expand our world, our characters, and our action in ways unimaginable before,” he said.
What Lies Ahead for the John Wick Franchise?
With John Wick 5, Ballerina, the Caine spinoff, and an animated prequel all in the pipeline, the John Wick universe is expanding like never before.
Each project promises to delve deeper into the lore, introduce fresh action sequences, and continue the franchise’s signature mix of stunning visuals and intense combat.
Fans eagerly await what’s next for Keanu Reeves’ legendary assassin. As Stahelski put it, “To have the chance to explore these characters even further is a dream come true.”
With no shortage of exciting developments, one thing is clear: John Wick isn’t done yet.
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FAQs
Is Keanu Reeves returning for John Wick 5?
Yes, Keanu Reeves is confirmed to reprise his role in John Wick 5, with Chad Stahelski directing and Lionsgate ensuring a fresh and compelling story.
What is the release date for Ballerina?
Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as an assassin seeking revenge, is set to release on June 6, 2024, with Keanu Reeves making an appearance.
Will Donnie Yen’s Caine get a spinoff?
Yes, Donnie Yen’s character, Caine, will have a standalone film, which he will star in, direct, and executive produce, with production starting in Hong Kong this year.
What is the John Wick animated prequel about?
The animated prequel will explore John Wick’s “Impossible Task”, the legendary event that earned him freedom from the High Table, with Keanu Reeves voicing the character.
How successful is the John Wick franchise?
The John Wick series has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, with John Wick: Chapter 4 earning $440 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
